When activities are proposed to be conducted within the jurisdiction of the CRMC, they are normally done so through the submission of an application request.

Generally, a permit is required for any construction or alteration in the coastal region or tidal waters of Rhode Island. Also, permits are required for work that is within 200 feet of the mean high water mark; within 200 feet of a coastal feature (eg. beach, dune, cliff, bluff, ledge, salt pond or wetland); have a reasonable probability of conflicting with CRMC goals, management plans or programs; and have the potential to change the environment of the coastal region due to those inland activities described in Section 320 of the CRMP. Please see Section 100 of Coastal Resources Management Program (PDF) for more details on these requirements.

Applicants wishing to discuss a potential project with staff relative to the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Program and its requirements can do so by contacting the CRMC and bringing/filling out the form at the right of this page. Please do keep in mind, however, that the guidance given by the professional staff only applies to the information provided by the applicant as it is represented at the time of the consultation.

Additionally, and if you prefer, we offer a Preliminary Determination report – a more formal and written narrative that will provide you with a discussion of the merits of your proposed project in respect to the management of the program.

The permit application forms that follow incorporate the procedures of the CRMC relative to its policies and programs so that the proposed activity accurately reflects the type of request being made. The permit applications must be completed depending on the character and extent of the project. Application fees are the reverse of an application form. For more information contact the Coastal Resources Management Council at (401) 783-3370.

Extension Request (PDF) – Assents are issued for a three year period. In the event that the applicant is not able to start the project or fails to have a significant amount of the project completed at the end of this period, the applicant must apply for an extension request sixty (60) days prior to the expiration of the Assent.

Preliminary Determination Request (PDF) – This request form is used to determine whether or not a project is feasible and/or if a project is within the jurisdiction of the CRMC. It can be used to help an applicant understand what information will be needed for a review should an applicant decide to move forward on the activity.

Freshwater Wetlands Application (PDF) – This package contains all the information needed to submit an application for work in areas where freshwater wetlands exist on a piece of property within the CRMC's jurisdiction. Please go to the CRMC and RIDEM collaboration that establishes clear delineations for the jurisdictional areas for freshwater wetlands between the two regulatory agencies. If your project contains both coastal and freshwater wetlands, please only use the CRMC Assent Application (above). (Building Official Form also required)

Building Official Form (PDF) – This form is completed by the town official or municipality as evidence that the building official has seen the form and granted (or will grant) approval of the construction project at the local level. It is a required form that must be submitted with any activity that also needs local approval.

Dock Registration Form (PDF) – After receiving approval from the CRMC to build a new residential dock, the CRMC also issues a registration number that is assigned for that dock in the form of a registration plate, which is then affixed to the dock. This form is used as an application for existing residential docks that have been built prior to the CRMC's regulations under other regulatory authorities. This application will allow the CRMC to assign a registration number to these "pre-existing" residential docks.

Dock Pier Checklist (PDF) – In conjunction with the CRMC Assent application, when an applicant wants to construct a residential dock, a complete list of review information must be submitted along with an application. This Checklist details that information.

Affidavit (PDF) – An affidavit is one tool used by the CRMC to verify information. For pre-existing residential docks that were built prior to the establishment of the CRMC, an Affidavit is used as part of the application information needs. Also, and as an example, an affidavit stating that a dock was registered is necessary if a registration plate is missing and needs to be replaced.

a. In accordance with Council regulations, all activities or alterations which have already occurred, or have been constructed or partially constructed without a Council Assent shall be subject to the fee schedule contained in Section 4.3.2. In addition, the Council shall assess an appropriate administrative fee based on a recommendation by the Executive Director. The recommended administrative fee shall take into account the impact on coastal resources, additional demand on Council resources, and hardship on an applicant (see RICRMP Section 160).

Hardships

Where an applicant can demonstrate that the fee schedule described herein presents an undue hardship, the Council may adjust the application fee, administrative fee, and/or contested case fees.

* NOTE: All fees are Summative. In addition, all fees are filing fees and non-refundable.

** NOTE: Applicants should consult Section 4.3 of the CRMC's Management Procedures for a more detailed description of the CRMC's fee schedule.